The Turn of the Road Part 21

Ellen's in the crame-house.

[Taylor goes out through door at back.

Samuel James looks over at Robbie John who sits deep in thought near the fire.]

You can no' hoodwink me, Robbie. You're no' happy.

ROBBIE JOHN.

I'm happy enough.

[Angrily.]

Don't be tormentin' me.

SAMUEL JAMES.

Faith you look happy.

[Drawing closer.]

I seen you last night at it.

ROBBIE JOHN.

[Looks round startled.]

I couldn't keep from it. There's a spell or somethin' on it.

SAMUEL JAMES.

Na. Na. But every fiddle has its spell for you. You broke your promise.

ROBBIE JOHN.

You followed me then?

SAMUEL JAMES.

Yes. Ye crept on your stocking soles to the back o' the forth ditch, and played there for two mortal hours, till I was heart feared they'd miss us out o' bed, and raise a cry.

ROBBIE JOHN.

And you stood two hours in the night listenin' to me.

SAMUEL JAMES.

I 'clare to G.o.d, there's somethin' out o' common wi' you or that fiddle, for I had to stop and listen, and me teeth chatterin' wi'

could.

ROBBIE JOHN.

I did wrong I know, but look here Samuel James, as long as I see that thing hangin' there, my hands are itchin' to hold it, and the tunes I could play--they keep runnin' in my head.

[Suddenly rising.]

I'll destroy it.

SAMUEL JAMES.

[Quieting him down.]

Na. Na. Its a vallible fiddle.

ROBBIE JOHN.

It is. Ach man but it does temp' me sorely.

SAMUEL JAMES.

Aye. You might make a fortune, the dear knows. Man I know what _I_ would do if I could play like _you_ do.

[Sarcastically.]

That was if ye had the heart.

ROBBIE JOHN.

[Excited.]

Ach quit! Quit talkin' to me that way. I'm going out.

[Goes out by door at back.]

SAMUEL JAMES.